Chapter 57.

Maximilian arrives first at the secluded spot by the Villeforts’ gate, anxiously awaiting Valentine. She appears only after escorting Eugenie Danglars through the garden, signaling to Maximilian that the delay is not hers. Once alone, Valentine explains their talk: Eugenie dislikes marriage and wishes for artistic freedom, while Valentine dreads marrying Franz d’Epinay.

Maximilian praises Valentine’s unique charm and presses gently about Eugenie’s feelings, but Valentine insists Eugenie loves no one and resists marriage itself. Conversation turns to Valentine’s own plight: Madame de Villefort has summoned her regarding a matter that may affect her fortune. Valentine explains Madame de Villefort’s interest in keeping her unmarried, since Valentine’s inheritances from her mother, the Saint-Mérans, and Noirtier would leave Edward relatively poor; a convent would have routed Valentine’s wealth to her father and then to Edward.

They debate Monte Cristo’s role and influence. Maximilian reveres the count’s seeming power to arrange events and hints at confiding their love to him, but Valentine distrusts the count’s closeness to her stepmother and father and notes he avoids her. Maximilian cites a coming dinner at the count’s where the Villeforts will attend and recounts how, after a card game in which the count participated, he won enough to purchase a cherished horse, suspecting the count’s deliberate benevolence.

Valentine remains skeptical, attributing coincidences to chance and fearing persecution within her household. As Madame de Villefort calls for her, the lovers compress their farewell. At Maximilian’s plea, Valentine briefly offers her hand through the gate; Maximilian kisses it fervently, and Valentine withdraws, hurrying back to the house, both heartened and unsettled.